Jaxport joins Deep Water Now initiative

The Jacksonville Port Authority, along with the Florida city’s chamber of commerce, has joined a recently launched initiative, Deep Water Now, to encourage business and community leaders in the Northeast part of the state to support efforts to deepen the St. Johns River shipping channel to accommodate the next generation of larger cargo ships.
“Standing united for Deep Water Now with our fellow Florida seaports and business leaders sends a message that will resonate far and wide,” said Brian Taylor, Jaxport’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “Together we will deliver a deeper harbor and bring home the opportunity that it represents to the citizens of our state and the entire nation.”
The initiative is overseen by the Florida Ports Council, a nonprofit corporation that serves as an association for Florida’s 15 deep-water seaports and their management. FPC provides leadership, advocacy and information on seaport-related issues before the legislative and executive branches of the state and federal government.
"It is critical that Florida's ports act now to prepare for the global opportunities that will be arriving at our door," said Doug Wheeler, president and chief executive officer for the council.